Tissue Changes and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Lactobacillus Plantarum on Pancreatic Beta Cells in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the production or function of insulin is impaired. This hormone is secreted by pancreatic beta cells and its main function is to lower blood glucose. Probiotics are living microorganisms that strengthen and balance the intestinal microbial flora and have beneficial effects on host health.

In this study, 32 mice were divided into four groups: the first group (non-diabetic control), the second group (diabetic control), the third group (diabetic mice treated with Lactobacillus Plantarum), and the fourth group (diabetic mice treated with glibenclamide). After blood sampling and serum isolation, serum glucose, and insulin levels were measured using enzymatic kit and ELISA, respectively. Also, sections of the pancreas were prepared and the average diameter of the Langerhans Islands was examined.

The results showed a significant decrease in glucose levels in the treatment group with Lactobacillus Plantarum compared with the diabetic control group (P <0.05), which is similar to glibenclamide. Moreover, in the group treated with Lactobacillus Plantarum, insulin levels did not change significantly compared to the diabetic group. Pancreatic histological examination also showed that this probiotic also affected the improvement of pancreatic tissue.

The results suggest that Lactobacillus Plantarum has positive effects on the control of blood glucose in diabetic mice with Aloxone and may be used as a drug supplement to control blood glucose.